Banks of great rivers have always been the hubs of civilisation the world over. In Goa, river banks have also been homes to great houses like the Solar Dos Colacos mansion.
The mansion cannot be missed as you drive down from the state capital of Panaji to the Old Goa church complex. The route takes you along the stunning Mandovi river on the left. Built in the year 1730, the Solar Dos Colacos mansion is one of the oldest and grandest surviving houses in Goa. Its architecture is marked by the grand Baroque style, which came into vogue in Italy in the 1700s.
The house itself was built around two wings, which was completed over two separate periods of time. The house, like in all the grand homes of its time, also has its own chapel and statues of Madonna and Infant Jesus, where the inmates of the home, worshipped their lord almighty.
There is a ballroom, where the fandangos hosted by the residents were organised. Interestingly, one of the more fascinating aspects of this house is the sideboard of the grand dining room at the Solar Dos Colacos mansion, which has an artistic rendition of a scene of the Ramayana, a rarity in Christian homes in the state.
The house is open to viewing all days.
Solar Dos Colacos mansion Ribander, along the Panaji to Old Goa route
